University of Colorado Boulder
The Softer Side of Science Communication
University of Colorado Boulder

The Softer Side of Science Communication

This course is part of Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization

Taught in English

Melanie Peffer

Instructor: Melanie Peffer

Included with Coursera Plus

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Explain the role of emotion in human behavior and how it can come up in science communication.

  • Explain why authenticity, trust, and empathy will help foster connection and consequently science communication.

  • Explain how improvisation, storytelling, and nonverbal communication can improve your science communication activities.

  • Describe how to be an inclusive and trauma informed science communicator.

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

2 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Beginner level

Recommended experience

9 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Placeholder

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Designing Effective Science Communication Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate
Placeholder
Placeholder

Earn a career certificate

Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV

Share it on social media and in your performance review

Placeholder

There are 4 modules in this course

In this module, you will learn about human emotions.

What's included

4 videos3 readings1 quiz1 discussion prompt1 plugin

In this module, you will discuss the importance of fostering trust in science communication. We will also discuss how to use empathy, vulnerability, and authenticity to do so. Finally, the third part of this module will talk about the use of storytelling, improvisation and non-verbal communication to build connection with your audiences.

What's included

5 videos8 readings1 peer review3 discussion prompts

In this module, you will learn about conflict and science communication. We will also discuss strategies for managing active conflict and/or adversarial audiences.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 quiz2 discussion prompts

In this module, we will discuss how to be inclusive science communicators. This includes how to be trauma informed, the balance of power in communication, designing for inclusion, and how to be culturally relevant. We'll close with a discussion of an ethical code for science communicators.

What's included

4 videos8 readings1 peer review2 discussion prompts

Instructor

Melanie Peffer
University of Colorado Boulder
8 Courses24,080 learners

Offered by

Recommended if you're interested in Education

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Placeholder

Open new doors with Coursera Plus

Unlimited access to 7,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online

Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy

Frequently asked questions